Headband Kit or Ear Pads First? A Meze Spare Parts Guide

Quick answer

Buy ear pads first if the foam is flat, the surface is flaking, or the sound has lost bass and isolation. Buy a headband kit first if the leather is cracked, the padding has collapsed, or the headband no longer spreads weight comfortably. If both are worn, replace the ear pads first because they change sound and hygiene more than the headband does.

Match the worn part to the right replacement

Look at where the wear actually is. Ear pads sit against your skin and compress every session, so they usually degrade first. Headbands carry load and rub against hair or a stand, so they fail later but more visibly. Replacing the wrong part first leaves the real problem in place.

• Flaking, shiny, or flattened ear pads: replace ear pads first.
• Cracked or collapsing headband leather: replace the headband kit first.
• Both worn: ear pads first, then headband when budget allows.
• Unsure: check pad depth and headband padding before ordering.

Ear pads: the part that changes sound and comfort most

Ear pads control the seal around your ear, so worn foam reduces bass, raises leakage, and makes the headphones feel loose. Meze pads are model-specific, so the correct pair depends on your headphone. The 99 Series Ear Pads come in Standard and Small sizes, and the catalog lists Standard as 64 mm height x 45 mm width x 23 mm depth, Small as 61 mm height x 44 mm width x 21 mm depth. The same listing notes they fit 99 Classics Walnut Gold, Walnut Silver, and 99 NEO, but not 99 Classics 2nd Gen.

The DUO Ear Pads are tailored to Empyrean II and listed as compatible with EMPYREAN, EMPYREAN II, and ELITE. Their leather and Alcantara blend is described as adding a contemporary dimension to the Empyrean II signature sound, with sustained bass frequencies. The LIRIC Ear Pads use memory foam with a PU leather exterior and include precision-cut air vents plus an Ear Flow system that reduces weight and size by optimizing acoustic volume. If your model is not listed here, check the product page for your specific headphone before ordering.

Headband kits: when the frame, not the sound, is the problem

A headband kit restores weight distribution and appearance. The LIRIC Headband Kit includes a leather headband with Liric engraving, a steel spring band, and six M2 x 10mm T6 Torx screws. The padded cushions are placed in a + shape to allow airflow and reduce heat and humidity buildup. If your Liric headband is cracked, stretched, or uncomfortable on long sessions, this kit addresses the frame rather than the sound.

Headband kits are less about tuning and more about structural comfort. They will not fix a collapsed ear pad seal or change bass response. If you only replace the headband while the pads are flat, the headphones may still feel loose and sound thin.

How to inspect before you buy

Remove the ear pads and press the foam. If it stays compressed or the surface cracks, replacement is due. Check the headband underside for flattened padding and the top for cracks or peeling. On Liric, also check the spring band and screws if the frame feels loose. For 99 Series, confirm your exact model because the pads are not compatible with 99 Classics 2nd Gen.

• Press test: foam should spring back, not stay flat.
• Seal test: cup should sit snug without pressing hard.
• Headband test: no hot spots after 30 minutes.
• Model check: confirm your headphone is listed as compatible.

Decision rules for your first Meze replacement

• Sound changed or pads look worn: Replace ear pads first. Match the pad to your exact model: DUO for Empyrean/Elite, LIRIC pads for Liric, 99 Series pads for 99 Classics or NEO. Ear pads are the higher-impact first purchase.
• Headband cracked or uncomfortable: Replace the headband kit first. For Liric, the kit includes the leather headband, steel spring band, and six screws. Choose the headband kit when the frame is the problem, not the sound.
• Both parts worn: Buy ear pads first, then the headband kit when budget allows. Ear pads affect seal, hygiene, and tuning more than the headband does. Stagger the purchases if you cannot do both at once.
• Unsure which model you have: Check the compatibility list before ordering. 99 Series pads do not fit 99 Classics 2nd Gen, and DUO pads are listed for Empyrean, Empyrean II, and Elite. Model confirmation prevents a return.

Product facts

• DUO EAR PADS: DUO Ear Pads are compatible with EMPYREAN, EMPYREAN II, and ELITE, and are tailored to Empyrean II with a leather and Alcantara blend. If you own one of these models and the pads are worn, this is the model-matched replacement to consider before changing the headband.
• LIRIC HEADBAND KIT: LIRIC Headband Kit includes a leather headband with Liric engraving, a steel spring band, and six M2 x 10mm T6 Torx screws; the padded cushions are placed in a + shape for airflow and lower heat and humidity. Choose this when the Liric frame is cracked or uncomfortable, not when the sound has changed from worn pads.
• 99 SERIES EAR PADS: 99 Series Ear Pads fit 99 Classics Walnut Gold, Walnut Silver, and 99 NEO but not 99 Classics 2nd Gen; Standard is 64 x 45 x 23 mm and Small is 61 x 44 x 21 mm. Check your exact 99 model and size before ordering, because the wrong generation or size will not fit.
• LIRIC EAR PADS: LIRIC Ear Pads use memory foam with a PU leather exterior, precision-cut air vents, and an Ear Flow system that reduces weight and size by optimizing acoustic volume; the kit includes one pair and an alcohol wipe. Replace these first if your Liric pads are flat or flaking, since they affect seal, comfort, and the intended acoustic behavior.

Which first for your situation

Buy ear pads first if

• Your pads are flat, flaking, or no longer seal around your ear.
• You want to restore bass, isolation, and hygiene.
• You own Empyrean, Empyrean II, Elite, Liric, or a compatible 99 Series model.

Buy the headband kit first if

• Your ear pads still spring back and seal well.
• The headband leather is cracked, the padding has collapsed, or the frame feels loose.
• You own a Liric and the discomfort comes from the headband, not the pads.